Garment

ABSTRACT

A garment having a storage compartment ( 22 ), the storage compartment ( 22 ) adapted to store the entire garment in a collapsed state, the compartment having one or more apertures ( 24 ) for the insertion of one or more sleeves or trouser legs ( 12, 14 ) of the garment through the aperture or apertures ( 24 ), the compartment having first connection means ( 36 ) for releasable connection with complimentary second connection means ( 34 ) on the sleeves, wherein in use, the one or more sleeves or trouser legs ( 12, 14 ) forming a strap with the compartment storing the remainder of the garment, wherein the garment can be worn around the waist of the wearer or diagonally across the upper torso of the wearer, on connecting together the first and second connection means ( 34, 36 ).

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to garments in particular but not limited to a jacket or trousers or overalls adapted to be compactly stored in a compartment of the jacket or trousers or overalls wherein a sleeve or a trouser leg acts as a belt or strap.

BACKGROUND ART

Prior art jackets, which convert into bags or backpacks or waistpacks or over shoulder bags, are well known. In all these prior art jackets, the use of extra belts and straps are necessary. In the case of jackets which do not convert into other items and which are removed by the wearer due to changed weather conditions or increased temperature are often transported by being tied around the waist of the wearer. Tying of the jacket around the waist however limits freedom of movement such as where the wearer is engaged in sporting or outdoor activities which requires freedom of limb movement the movement of the arms and legs. Such prior art jackets also rely on existing backpack technology as attachments to the garment for example pack straps, belts and buckles which add unnecessary complexity and weight to the garment. There is presently no prior art trousers or overalls which convert into bags or backpacks or are provided with straps to facilitate their storage or transport.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garment that seeks to ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages or limitations of the prior art or to at least provide the public with an alternate choice.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

According therefore to one but not necessarily only aspect, the invention resides in a garment, typically a jacket or a pair of trousers or overalls, having a storage compartment,

-   the storage compartment adapted to store the entire garment in a     collapsed state, -   the compartment having one or more apertures for the insertion of     one or more sleeves or trouser legs of the garment through the     aperture or apertures, -   the compartment having first connection means for releasable     connection with complimentary second connection means on the sleeves     or trouser legs, wherein in use, -   the one or more sleeves or trouser legs forming a strap with the     compartment storing the remainder of the garment, wherein the     garment can be worn around the waist of the wearer or diagonally     across the upper torso of the wearer, on connecting together the     first and second connection means.

Preferably the storage compartment is a compartment formed against the inside surface or the internal lining of the garment. In the alternative the compartment could be formed on the outside surface of the garment.

Preferably the compartment is rectangular, square or circular in configuration, but can be any other shape.

Preferably the compartment has closure means such as a reversible (two-way) zipper or similar closure device such as hook-and loop fasteners e.g. Velcro™, buttons, press studs and snap fasteners.

Preferably the compartment is a storage pocket that can be placed on any position on the garment and, can have an added function such as comprising a hand warmer pocket positioned at waist or chest level, a hood or collar pocket for covering the pocket, a sleeve pocket for storage of small items or an outer back pocket of the garment.

Preferably the first and second releasable means is a spring loaded toggle and line arrangement or alternatively can be a Velcro™ strap arrangement or complimentary press stud fastening arrangement or buckles which is adjustable in length. The adjustment in length is to accommodate various waist or chest sizes of different wearers.

Preferably the compartment has its own out pocket for the storage of other items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention be better understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein

FIGS. 1, TO 8 show use of a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a jacket.

FIG. 9 shows the invention in the form of trousers.

FIG. 10 shows the invention in the form of overalls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following descriptions, the term “overalls” defines a garment that is inclusive of an upper body portion and a lower trouser portion that combines as a single garment.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a jacket 10. The jacket is shown with a pair of sleeves 12, 14 and three outer pockets 16, 18, 20. FIG. 2 shows the jacket of FIG. 1 with the left side folded back to reveal the storage compartment 22 of a preferred rectangular configuration. The storage compartment has an aperture 24 for the insertion of a sleeve. In this case the right sleeve 12 is also shown with a grab loop 12 a. FIG. 3 shows the left sleeve being turned inside out by reversing the sleeve through the left armhole 26.

FIG. 4 shows the reversed left sleeve with a grab loop 14 a ready for insertion through aperture 24 in the storage compartment 22 as indicated by the arrows 28, 30. The rest of the jacket is then tucked into the storage compartment and the compartment is shut using the reversible zipper 32 positioned at the top of the compartment.

FIG. 5 shows the compartment containing the remainder of the jacket with the left sleeve 14 protruding from the aperture 24. The sleeve is shown with a preferred combination grab loop and second connection means in the form of a spring loaded toggle and elastic line loop 34. The spring loaded toggle and elastic line loop is designed to accommodate different waist measurements of different wearers. The compartment has first connection means in the form of a complimentary elastic line loop section 36 for fastening and securing strap 34 of the sleeve. The compartment is shown with an outer pocket 38 for the storage of small items.

FIG. 6 shows the rest of the jacket being tucked in to the compartment 22 leaving the left sleeve 14 and spring loaded toggle and elastic line fastener 34 and elastic line loop fastener 36 exposed.

FIG. 7 shows the sleeve 14 stretched out with fasteners 34, 36 ready for attachment around the waist of a wearer.

FIG. 8 shows the invention worn around the waist of a wearer wherein the spring loaded toggle and elastic line fastener 34 and elastic line loop 36 have been connected. The compartment 22, preferably has an outer pocket 38 for storing small items 39.

FIG. 9 shows the invention in the form of a pair of trousers 40. A leg 42 of the trousers is insertable shown by arrow 43 a into an aperture 43 of the pocket compartment 44. The Velcro fasteners 45, 46 are joinable in an identical manner as that of the jacket of FIG. 8 whereby the trouser version can be worn about the body of the wearer.

FIG. 10 shows the invention in the form of a pair of overalls 50. A leg 52 of the overalls is insertable shown by arrow 53 a into aperture 53 of the pocket compartment 54. Velcro fasteners 55, 56 are joinable in similar fashion as that of the trouser example of FIG. 9 whereby the overalls version can be worn about the body of the wearer.

ADVANTAGES

The advantages of the invention include its ability to be used in different types of upper and lower body garments that accommodate several applications. Such application include upper and lower body garments worn by ultra marathon runners, trail runners, road runners, cyclists, walkers, trekkers, hikers, climbers, mountaineers, sailors, mountain bikers, golfers, track & field athletes, football teams, and equestrian riders amongst other garments. In the case of the travel and tourism industry the invention is also easily applied to rain garments, touring garments and backpacker garments. Importantly all materials used and fastening means mentioned are readily available stocked items.

In particular a preferred-jacketed invention can be stored and fastened securely to the body in a streamlined, manner resembling a belt. In particular this eliminates the sleeve and torso sections of the jackets coming in contact with legs when the jacket is tied around the waist. The invention enables a jacket to be fastened securely to the body in a streamlined and compact manner.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 

1. A garment having a storage compartment, a) the storage compartment adapted to store the entire garment in a collapsed state, b) the compartment having one or more apertures for the insertion of one or more sleeves or trouser legs of the garment through the aperture or apertures, c) the compartment having first connection means for releasable connection with complimentary second connection means on the sleeves, wherein in use, d), the one or more sleeves or trouser legs forming a strap with the compartment storing the remainder of the garment, wherein the garment can be worn around the waist of the wearer or diagonally across the upper torso of the wearer, on connecting together the first and second connection means.
 2. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is a compartment formed against the inside surface or the internal lining of the garment.
 3. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is formed on the outside surface of the garment.
 4. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is rectangular, square or circular in configuration or any other shape.
 5. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment has closure means such as a reversible (two-way) zipper or similar closure device such as hook and loop fasteners e.g. Velcro™, buttons, press studs and snap fasteners.
 6. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is a storage pocket that is placed on any position on the garment and has a further function as a hand warmer pocket positioned at waist or chest level.
 7. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is a storage pocket that is placed on any position on the garment and has a further function as a hood or collar pocket for covering the pocket.
 8. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is a storage pocket that is placed on any position on the garment and has a further function as a sleeve pocket for storage of small items.
 9. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment is a storage pocket that is placed on any position on the garment and has a further function as an outer back pocket of the garment.
 10. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second releasable means is a spring loaded toggle and line arrangement.
 11. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second releasable means is a Velcro™ strap arrangement.
 12. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second releasable means is complimentary press stud fastening arrangement.
 13. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second releasable means is buckles.
 14. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compartment has an outer pocket for the storage of other items.
 15. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment is a jacket.
 16. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment is trousers.
 17. A garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment is overalls.
 18. A garment substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. 